Bill Barber Scores Four as Flyers Beat North Stars in 1980 Playoffs

Bill Barber put together one of the biggest playoff performances of his career on May 4, 1980, scoring four times as the Philadelphia Flyers defeated the Minnesota North Stars 5-3 at the Met Center. The victory gave Philadelphia a 2-1 lead in their Stanley Cup semifinal series after the teams had split the opening two games.

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Highlights

• May 4, 1980 at the Met Center

• Flyers and North Stars entered Game 3 tied 1-1

• Bill Barber scored twice late in the first period

• Barber completed his hat trick at 6:07 of the second

• Philadelphia built a 4-0 lead

• Minnesota responded with three consecutive goals

• Barber scored his fourth goal shorthanded at 16:34 of the third

• Philadelphia won 5-3 and eventually took the series in five games

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It took more than 15 minutes for the scoring to begin, but Barber quickly changed the complexion of the game. He opened the scoring at 15:15 of the first period with his fourth goal of the playoffs, beating Gilles Meloche on the power play with assists from Behn Wilson and Brian Propp. Less than two minutes later, Barber struck again at even strength. Wilson and Bobby Clarke assisted on the goal at 17:09, sending Philadelphia into the first intermission with a 2-0 advantage.

Mel Bridgman increased the lead just 1:14 into the second period before Barber completed the hat trick at 6:07. Clarke and Reg Leach picked up the assists as Barber's third goal of the night gave Philadelphia what appeared to be a commanding 4-0 lead. Minnesota, however, responded in a hurry. With Curt Giles in the penalty box, Tom Younghans and Tim Young scored back-to-back shorthanded goals. Tom McCarthy then added another, suddenly cutting Philadelphia's lead to 4-3.

The North Stars remained within a goal until the closing minutes. At 15:30 of the third period, Philadelphia's Ken Linseman was sent off for interference, giving Minnesota an opportunity to tie the game. Instead, Barber delivered the knockout blow. At 16:34, he scored his fourth goal of the night while shorthanded, assisted by Andre Dupont, restoring Philadelphia's two-goal advantage.

The Flyers held on for the 5-3 victory, with Barber accounting for four of their five goals. Philadelphia went on to win the next two games and eliminate Minnesota in five, advancing to the Stanley Cup Final. There, the Flyers fell in six games to the New York Islanders, who captured the first of their four consecutive Stanley Cup championships.

So You Think You're a Philadelphia Flyers Fan?: Stars, Stats, Records, and Memories for True Diehards

A deep dive into Flyers history filled with stars, records, stats, and unforgettable memories from the ice — perfect for true diehards and history buffs.

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Anders Hedberg’s 4-Goal Night Powers Wild Rangers Comeback

The Detroit Red Wings of the 1970s and early 1980s had an unfortunate knack for finding ways to lose games that appeared to be theirs. On October 26, 1980, at Madison Square Garden, that tendency was on full display. Detroit held a 6-5 lead with just 1:14 remaining, only to watch Anders Hedberg take over and lead the New York Rangers to a stunning 7-6 victory.

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Highlights

• October 26, 1980 at Madison Square Garden

• New York Rangers defeated Detroit 7-6

• Anders Hedberg recorded 4 goals and 2 assists

• Detroit led 6-5 with only 1:14 remaining

• Hedberg tied the game at 18:46 of the third

• He scored the winner just 33 seconds later

• Reed Larson and Mike Blaisdell scored seven seconds apart for Detroit

• Hedberg led all players with 7 shots on goal

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Hedberg opened the scoring just 4:50 into the first period, beating Detroit goaltender Gilles Gilbert on the power play for his third goal of the season. Ulf Nilsson and Rangers goalie John Davidson picked up the assists. Later in the period, Hedberg added an assist on a Steve Vickers goal as New York and Detroit settled into what would become a high-scoring battle.

The second period featured a remarkable burst from the Red Wings. Reed Larson and Mike Blaisdell scored just seven seconds apart, nearly matching a Detroit franchise record. The Rangers battled back, however, with Mike Allison scoring with an assist from Hedberg before Hedberg added another goal of his own. By the end of the second, the teams were deadlocked at 4-4.

Detroit struck quickly again to open the third. George Lyle scored just 58 seconds into the period, and Mike Foligno followed only 55 seconds later to give the Red Wings a 6-4 advantage. Ron Greschner cut the lead to one at 11:45, but as the clock wound down, it appeared Detroit was finally going to escape Madison Square Garden with a 6-5 victory.

Then Hedberg took over. With just 1:14 remaining, he scored the tying goal with assists from Phil Esposito and Tom Laidlaw. Only 33 seconds later, Hedberg struck again, this time unassisted, completing the Rangers' remarkable comeback and giving New York a 7-6 lead. In the span of 33 seconds, Detroit went from being on the verge of victory to trailing for good.

Hedberg finished the night with four goals and two assists for six points, while leading all skaters with seven of New York's 37 shots on Gilles Gilbert. At the other end, John Davidson allowed six goals on 30 shots but still walked away with the victory. It was a wild night at Madison Square Garden and one of the biggest offensive performances of Hedberg's NHL career.

Tales from the New York Rangers Locker Room

A collection of the greatest Rangers stories ever told — insider tales featuring legends past and present.

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Borje Salming’s Lone Hat Trick Comes in Wild Leafs-Blackhawks Game

Borje Salming was one of the NHL’s most productive defensemen, but most of his offense came from setting up his teammates. Of his 787 career regular-season points, 637 came on assists. On October 10, 1981, however, Salming became the finisher, recording the only hat trick of his NHL career in a wild night at Maple Leaf Gardens.

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Highlights

• October 10, 1981 at Maple Leaf Gardens

• Toronto defeated Chicago 9-8

• The teams combined for 17 goals

• Salming recorded 3 goals and 1 assist

• It was the only hat trick of his NHL career

• Bob Manno and John Anderson each had 5 points

• Chicago’s Grant Mulvey also scored a hat trick

• Denis Savard recorded 4 assists

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The Toronto Maple Leafs and Chicago Blackhawks combined for an incredible 17 goals, with Toronto coming away with a 9-8 victory. Salming finished with three goals and an assist for four points, yet that still wasn’t enough to lead the Leafs in scoring. John Anderson and defenseman Bob Manno each recorded five-point games.

Salming wasted almost no time getting started. Just 27 seconds after the opening faceoff, he scored his first goal of the 1981-82 season, beating Chicago goaltender Tony Esposito with Manno picking up the assist. Salming added his second point at 16:32 of the second period when he assisted on a Manno goal. It was the eighth of an astonishing nine goals scored by the two teams during the middle frame.

The Swedish defenseman struck even quicker to begin the third. Just 23 seconds into the period, Salming scored his second goal of the game with assists going to Rocky Saganiuk and Laurie Boschman. At 7:08, he completed the only hat trick of his NHL career, scoring with help from Manno and Ron Zanussi.

There was plenty of offense on the Chicago side as well. Grant Mulvey recorded a hat trick of his own, while Denis Savard collected four assists. The goaltending numbers reflected the frantic nature of the game: Esposito stopped 33 of 42 Toronto shots, while Leafs goalie Vincent Tremblay allowed eight goals on 28 shots.

For a Hall of Fame defenseman remembered as much for his passing and toughness as his scoring ability, October 10, 1981 was a rare night when Salming did the damage himself. Three of his 150 career NHL goals came in one remarkable game, the only hat trick of Borje Salming’s NHL career.

The King (Borje Salming)

A compelling look at the life and legacy of Borje Salming — one of hockey’s most respected trailblazers and legendary defensemen.

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Barry Gibbs Records Five of His Career-Best 40 Points in One Game

The 1974-75 NHL season was a career year offensively for Barry Gibbs. The veteran defenseman finished with 40 points split between the Minnesota North Stars and Atlanta Flames, the highest single-season total of his NHL career. Remarkably, five of those 40 points came in one wild night against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

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Highlights

• December 21, 1974

• Minnesota North Stars 8, Pittsburgh Penguins 7

• Gibbs: 1 goal, 4 assists, 5 points

• Minnesota trailed 4-1 in the first period

• Gibbs helped the North Stars tie it 4-4 before the first intermission

• Assisted on Blake Dunlop's eventual game-winner

• Five points represented 12.5% of Gibbs' 40-point season

• Traded to Atlanta just two weeks later

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On December 21, 1974, the North Stars hosted Pittsburgh and eventually escaped with an 8-7 victory. Early on, however, things looked bleak for Minnesota. The Penguins jumped out to a quick 4-1 lead on first-period goals from Bob Kelly, Rick Kehoe, Ron Schock and Syl Apps.

Gibbs helped lead the North Stars back. At 10:40 of the opening period, he scored his fourth goal of the season to cut into Pittsburgh's lead. Before the period was over, Minnesota had erased the deficit and tied the game at 4-4. Gibbs was involved throughout the comeback, adding three assists on two goals by Murray Oliver and another by Bill Goldsworthy.

His night wasn't finished. Gibbs picked up his fourth assist and fifth point on Blake Dunlop's goal at 17:59 of the third period. Fred Stanfield also assisted on the goal, which gave Minnesota an 8-7 lead and ultimately stood as the game-winner. Gibbs finished the night with a goal and four assists in one of the biggest offensive performances of his NHL career.

The game was Gibbs' 33rd of the season with Minnesota, but his time with the North Stars was nearing an end. After four more appearances, he was traded to the Atlanta Flames on January 4, 1975 in exchange for Dwight Bialowas and Dean Talafous. Gibbs finished the season with 40 points overall, although his production slowed considerably after the move to Atlanta.

Gibbs went on to play 796 regular-season and 36 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1967-68 and 1979-80. His NHL career included stops with the Boston Bruins, Minnesota North Stars, Atlanta Flames, St. Louis Blues and Los Angeles Kings. While never known primarily for his offense, his five-point performance on December 21, 1974 remains an impressive snapshot from his career-best offensive season.

Mirage of Destiny: The Story of the 1990-91 Minnesota North Stars

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"Scoreless Wonder" Jim Thomson Ends 31-Month Goal Drought With a 1-0 Game Winner

Jim Thomson arrived in Chicago before the 1957-58 NHL season under circumstances that went well beyond hockey. Like former Detroit Red Wings star Ted Lindsay, Thomson had been a prominent supporter of efforts to establish an NHL players’ association. Neither man’s involvement sat particularly well with the league’s owners, and both found themselves with the Chicago Blackhawks for the 1957-58 season.

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Highlights

• Jim Thomson joined Chicago for the 1957-58 season, his final NHL campaign.

• Thomson and Ted Lindsay had both been involved in efforts to establish a players’ association.

• On October 29, 1957, Chicago hosted Detroit at Chicago Stadium.

• Thomson scored at 12:56 of the third period, assisted by Jack McIntyre and Bobby Hull.

• The goal was the only one in a 1-0 Blackhawks victory.

• Glenn Hall recorded the shutout against Terry Sawchuk and the Red Wings.

• Thomson had not scored since March 20, 1955, more than two and a half years earlier.

• “The Scoreless Wonder” finished his NHL career with just 19 goals in 787 games, but was a two-time Second Team All-Star and four-time Stanley Cup champion.

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For Thomson, it would be his final year in the NHL. The veteran defenseman had never been known for his scoring. In fact, his Toronto Maple Leafs teammates had dubbed him “The Scoreless Wonder.” Yet, on October 29, 1957, Thomson became the unlikely offensive hero when Chicago hosted Lindsay’s former Detroit Red Wings at Chicago Stadium.

The game remained scoreless deep into the third period, with Glenn Hall and Terry Sawchuk matching each other at opposite ends of the ice. Finally, at 12:56 of the third, Thomson broke through. He beat Sawchuk for his first goal as a Blackhawk, with Jack McIntyre and a young Bobby Hull picking up the assists. Nobody scored again, giving Chicago a 1-0 victory and Hall the shutout.

The goal was especially remarkable considering how rarely Thomson found the back of the net. He finished his NHL career with just 19 goals in 787 regular-season games, including four game winners and one shorthanded marker. Before scoring against Sawchuk that night, Thomson had gone more than two and a half years without an NHL goal. His previous one had come on March 20, 1955, while playing for Toronto against the New York Rangers.

Of course, scoring goals was never what made Thomson valuable. The dependable blue liner was twice named a Second Team NHL All-Star and helped the Maple Leafs win four Stanley Cup championships during his first five full seasons with the club. He also briefly served as Toronto's captain during the 1956-57 season.

Thomson would finish his lone season in Chicago with four goals, matching his career high. But perhaps none better suited “The Scoreless Wonder” than the one he scored on October 29, 1957. After going 31 months without a goal, the defensive defenseman finally scored again and fittingly, it was the only goal anyone scored all night.

The Big 50: Chicago Blackhawks (The Men and Moments that Made the Chicago Blackhawks)

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Al Secord Torches Maple Leafs for Four Goals at Chicago Stadium

The 1981-82 season was Al Secord’s first full campaign with the Chicago Blackhawks after he was acquired from the Boston Bruins on December 18, 1980, in exchange for Mike O’Connell. It would become a remarkable season for the rugged winger. Secord finished with 44 goals and 303 penalty minutes, becoming just the second player in NHL history to record at least 30 goals and 300 penalty minutes in the same season. Tiger Williams had accomplished the feat a year earlier with 35 goals and 343 penalty minutes.

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Highlights

• November 1, 1981: Chicago Blackhawks vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

• Secord scored the first NHL hat trick of his career

• He finished with four goals

• His second and third goals came just 11 seconds apart

• Chicago defeated Toronto 9-4

• Denis Savard recorded five points with a goal and four assists

• Secord finished 1981-82 with 44 goals and 303 penalty minutes

• He became the second NHL player with 30+ goals and 300+ PIM in one season

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Secord began building toward that 44-goal total early. On November 1, 1981, in Chicago’s 12th game of the season, the Blackhawks hosted the Toronto Maple Leafs at Chicago Stadium. Secord opened his account for the night at 13:14 of the first period, beating Toronto goaltender Michel Larocque with Denis Savard picking up the assist. The goal gave Chicago a 2-0 lead.

Secord was held off the scoresheet during the second period, while Toronto battled back. The Maple Leafs eventually pulled even at 3-3 before the Blackhawks took control in the third. At 3:46, Secord scored his second of the night and eighth of the season on the power play. The goal put Chicago ahead 5-3 and would stand as the game-winner in an eventual 9-4 victory.

Just 11 seconds later, Secord struck again. Assisted by Savard and Greg Fox, the goal completed the first hat trick of Secord’s NHL career. Three goals apparently weren’t enough. Later in the third, he scored again for his fourth of the game and 10th of the season, with Savard and Tim Higgins earning the assists.

Secord finished the night with four goals, while Savard enjoyed a huge game of his own with a goal and four assists for five points. For Secord, the performance was an early sign of what was to come during a season that combined elite goal scoring with the physical edge that became a defining feature of his career.

The Big 50: Chicago Blackhawks (The Men and Moments that Made the Chicago Blackhawks)

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Lorne Ferguson's Rare Two-Shorthanded Goal Hat Trick Powers Red Wings Past Rangers

Lorne Ferguson was never known as a prolific shorthanded scorer during his NHL career. In fact, the Palmerston, Ontario native scored just four shorthanded goals over 422 regular season games. Remarkably, half of that career total came in a single period against the New York Rangers.

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Highlights

• Lorne Ferguson scored a hat trick against the New York Rangers on February 2, 1957.

• Detroit won the game 5-4 at Madison Square Garden.

• Ferguson scored two shorthanded goals in the first period.

• Both shorthanded goals were assisted by Metro Prystai.

• Ferguson scored only four shorthanded goals during his entire NHL career.

• His third goal completed the hat trick and proved to be the game-winner.

• Ferguson finished with three goals and one assist for four points.

• He scored 13 goals and 23 points during the 1956-57 season.

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On February 2, 1957, Ferguson and the Detroit Red Wings visited Madison Square Garden for a matchup with the Rangers. New York opened the scoring, but Ferguson answered at 7:05 of the first period with a shorthanded goal assisted by Metro Prystai. Detroit's Ted Lindsay was serving a high-sticking penalty at the time, but Ferguson's goal evened the score at 1-1.

Ferguson wasn't finished. At 17:14, he assisted on an Alex Delvecchio goal that gave Detroit a 3-1 advantage. Then, with Warren Godfrey in the penalty box for slashing, Ferguson struck again. With just 14 seconds remaining in the opening period, he scored his second shorthanded goal of the night, once again assisted by Prystai. Ferguson had scored half of his career shorthanded goals in less than 13 minutes.

He completed the hat trick at 11:10 of the second period, beating Rangers goaltender Gump Worsley with Delvecchio picking up the assist. That third goal proved especially important. New York battled back, but Detroit held on for a 5-4 victory, making Ferguson's hat trick goal the game-winner. He finished the night with three goals and an assist for a four-point performance.

The offensive explosion represented a significant chunk of Ferguson's production during the 1956-57 season. He finished the year with 13 goals and ten assists for 23 points over 70 games. Between 1949-50 and 1958-59, Ferguson appeared in 422 NHL regular season games and another 31 playoff contests with the Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks. His best goal-scoring season came with Boston in 1954-55, when he reached the 20-goal mark.

The Franchise: Detroit Red Wings: A Curated History of Hockeytown

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Ron Lalonde Scores First Hat Trick in Washington Capitals History (In an 8-5 Loss)

The expansion Washington Capitals endured a historically difficult debut season in 1974-75. Washington won just eight of 80 games, scored an NHL-low 181 goals and surrendered a staggering 446. Yet, even in a season filled with losses, there were milestones to celebrate. One of those came courtesy of Ron Lalonde, who became the first player in franchise history to record a hat trick.

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Highlights

• March 30, 1975: Washington hosted Detroit in its 77th game of the season.

• Ron Lalonde scored the first hat trick in Washington Capitals history.

• Lalonde scored Washington's third, fourth and fifth goals.

• Bob Gryp assisted on all three goals.

• Washington held a 5-2 lead before Detroit mounted its comeback.

• Marcel Dionne scored twice late in the second period.

• Bill Hogaboam scored twice just 12 seconds apart in the third.

• Detroit ultimately won 8-5.

• It was the only hat trick of Lalonde's NHL career.

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Lalonde had arrived in Washington on December 15, 1974, when the Capitals acquired him from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Lew Morrison. He wasn't expected to suddenly transform one of the NHL's weakest offences, but on March 30, 1975, he provided a glimpse of what the young franchise desperately needed.

Hosting the Detroit Red Wings in their 77th game of the season, the Capitals surprisingly built a 5-2 lead past the halfway point. Lalonde scored Washington's third, fourth and fifth goals, giving him his ninth, tenth and eleventh goals of the season. All three came against Detroit goaltender Terry Richardson, and remarkably, Bob Gryp assisted on each of Lalonde's goals.

Unfortunately for Washington, the historic hat trick wasn't enough. Marcel Dionne began Detroit's comeback at 17:33 of the second period, just 31 seconds after Lalonde completed his hat trick. Dionne scored again before the intermission, cutting Washington's advantage to 5-4. The Red Wings then scored four unanswered goals in the third period to turn what had looked like a rare Capitals victory into an 8-5 defeat. Bill Hogaboam contributed two of those goals just 12 seconds apart.

Lalonde would never record another NHL hat trick, making his historic performance against Detroit the only three-goal game of his career. He appeared in 397 NHL regular season games between 1972-73 and 1978-79 with Pittsburgh and Washington, scoring 45 goals and 123 points without appearing in a Stanley Cup playoff game. Originally selected by Pittsburgh in the fourth round of the 1972 NHL Amateur Draft after playing junior hockey with the Peterborough Petes, Lalonde secured a permanent place in Capitals history on an otherwise forgettable night for the expansion club.

Washington Capitals: Team History

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Glenn Anderson Bookends Record 12-Goal Period Between Oilers and Blackhawks

The Edmonton Oilers and Chicago Blackhawks produced one of the wildest periods in NHL history on December 11, 1985. Playing at Chicago Stadium, the two high-powered clubs combined for a record 12 goals in the second period of a game that eventually ended with Edmonton winning 12-9.

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Highlights

• Edmonton defeated Chicago 12-9 on December 11, 1985.

• The Oilers led 4-0 after the first period.

• Edmonton and Chicago combined for 12 goals in the second period.

• Glenn Anderson scored both the first and last goals of the second period.

• Anderson finished with a hat trick and six points.

• Jari Kurri scored three goals, with Anderson assisting on all three.

• Wayne Gretzky recorded seven assists without scoring a goal.

• The teams combined for 21 goals in the game.

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The Oilers had already built a commanding 4-0 lead during the opening period. Glenn Anderson scored his 21st goal of the 1985-86 season as part of that early Edmonton outburst. However, the four goals in the first were merely a warm-up for what followed.

Anderson opened the incredible second-period scoring just 1:20 into the frame, netting his 22nd of the season with assists from Wayne Gretzky and Don Jackson. Over the next 18½ minutes, ten different players found the net as Chicago scored six times and Edmonton added four more. Remarkably, Anderson then finished what he had started. With just ten seconds remaining in the period, he completed his hat trick with assists from Gretzky and Paul Coffey. Edmonton headed to the dressing room leading 10-6 after the teams had combined for 12 goals in 20 minutes.

By comparison, the third period was relatively quiet, although the teams still combined for another five goals. Chicago scored three and Edmonton added two to give the Oilers a remarkable 12-9 victory. Anderson also assisted on three Jari Kurri goals, giving him three goals and three assists for a six-point night. Gretzky didn't score a goal but still finished with an incredible seven assists.

The goaltending statistics reflected the offensive chaos. Edmonton used both Andy Moog and Grant Fuhr, who combined to face 46 Chicago shots. Murray Bannerman surrendered ten goals on 36 shots over the first two periods for the Blackhawks. Bob Sauvé took over for the third and stopped six of eight. By night's end, the teams had combined for 21 goals, but it was that extraordinary 12-goal second period, opened and closed by Glenn Anderson, that earned the game its place in NHL history.

The Battle of Alberta: The Historic Rivalry Between the Edmonton Oilers and the Calgary Flames

A deep dive into one of hockey’s most intense rivalries — the Edmonton Oilers vs. the Calgary Flames, featuring unforgettable games, personalities, and playoff clashes.

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Jerry Toppazzini’s Shorthanded Magic Begins Against Terry Sawchuk

Jerry Toppazzini developed into one of the NHL’s most dangerous penalty killers during his years with the Boston Bruins. Of his 163 career NHL goals, 22 came while his team was shorthanded. His finest season in that department came in 1957-58, when Toppazzini led the NHL with eight shorthanded goals, a league record at the time. Add two shorthanded assists, and 10 of his 48 points that season came while Boston was killing a penalty.

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Highlights

• Jerry Toppazzini scored 22 shorthanded goals during his NHL career.

• He led the NHL with a then-record eight SHG in 1957-58.

• His first came against Terry Sawchuk and Detroit on November 10, 1957.

• Toppazzini scored just 15 seconds after Boston went shorthanded.

• He finished that 4-2 Bruins victory with one goal and two assists.

• Toppazzini struck shorthanded against Sawchuk again on Christmas Day.

• His eight SHG broke Cecil Dillon’s previous NHL record of six.

• The Bruins record lasted until Brian Rolston scored nine in 2001-02.

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The first of those eight goals came on November 10, 1957, when the Bruins hosted the Detroit Red Wings at Boston Garden. Early in the second period, Boston defenseman Fern Flaman was sent off for tripping at 1:45. Detroit’s power play lasted only 15 seconds before Toppazzini turned the tables, beating legendary Red Wings goaltender Terry Sawchuk for a shorthanded goal. Fleming Mackell picked up the assist.

Toppazzini wasn’t finished. He added two assists in the game, including a helper on Don McKenney’s game-winning goal as Boston defeated Detroit 4-2. It was an early glimpse of just how dangerous the Bruins could be with Toppazzini on the ice, even when they were supposed to be at a disadvantage.

Detroit and Sawchuk got another look at Toppazzini’s penalty-killing ability when the Red Wings returned to Boston Garden on Christmas Day. With the Bruins facing a five-on-three disadvantage, they survived the first penalty before Allan Stanley scored just three seconds after it expired, with Toppazzini earning an assist. Fleming Mackell was still in the penalty box, leaving Boston shorthanded, when Toppazzini struck again just 59 seconds later. This time he scored unassisted on Sawchuk, giving him two points during the same penalty-killing sequence. Boston went on to win 4-1.

Toppazzini finished 1957-58 with eight shorthanded goals, surpassing the previous NHL record of six set by Cecil Dillon of the New York Rangers in 1934-35. His eight also remained the Boston Bruins single-season record for more than four decades. It finally fell in 2001-02 when Brian Rolston scored nine shorthanded goals, although Rolston had the benefit of an 82-game schedule compared with Toppazzini’s 64-game NHL season.

For Toppazzini, the November 10 goal against Sawchuk was simply the beginning of a remarkable season. By year’s end, few players in hockey were more dangerous when their own team was a man short.

Mucking in the Corners: Unearthing the 1970s' Quirkiest Hockey Tales

Dig into the wonderfully strange side of 1970s hockey with a collection of quirky stories, forgotten characters, unusual moments, and offbeat tales from one of the game’s most colorful decades.

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Doug Jarrett’s Rare Goal Becomes a Shorthanded Game-Winner

Doug Jarrett was never known for putting up big offensive numbers from the blue line. The steady Chicago Blackhawks defenseman scored just 38 goals over 775 NHL regular season games. But on March 17, 1968, Jarrett made one of his rare goals count, scoring the game-winner in a victory over the Oakland Seals at Chicago Stadium.

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Highlights

• Doug Jarrett scored just four goals during the 1967-68 season.

• His fourth and final goal came on March 17, 1968 against the Oakland Seals.

• Jarrett scored the goal shorthanded with Gilles Marotte serving a penalty.

• Chico Maki assisted on Jarrett’s game-winning goal.

• Jarrett also assisted on Bobby Hull’s opening goal at 1:39 of the first period.

• He finished with a goal, an assist and a team-leading +3 rating.

• Jarrett recorded three of Chicago’s 32 shots on Gary Smith.

• He finished his NHL career with 38 goals in 775 regular season games.

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Jarrett was involved in the offense almost immediately. Just 1:39 into the opening period, Bobby Hull beat Oakland goaltender Gary Smith to give Chicago an early lead, with Jarrett picking up an assist. Later in the period, Gilles Marotte was sent to the penalty box for high sticking, putting the Blackhawks a man down.

Instead of Oakland taking advantage, Jarrett struck shorthanded. At 15:41 of the first period, he scored his fourth goal of the 1967-68 season with Chico Maki assisting. The goal ultimately stood as the game-winner and was also Jarrett’s final goal of the season.

Jarrett finished the night with three of Chicago’s 32 shots on Smith and led the Blackhawks with a +3 rating. Jarrett, Hull and Maki each contributed a goal and an assist. At the other end, Dave Dryden turned aside 22 of Oakland’s 23 shots to secure the victory.

The goal was a memorable offensive moment in an NHL career built much more around dependable defense. Jarrett played 775 regular season games and another 99 playoff contests between 1964-65 and 1976-77 with the Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers. His association with Chicago stretched back even further, beginning in the organization as a junior with the St. Catharines Teepees in 1960-61.

The Big 50: Chicago Blackhawks (The Men and Moments that Made the Chicago Blackhawks)

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Philadelphia Outscores Pittsburgh 19-2 In Two 1977-78 Early-Season Meetings

The Pittsburgh Penguins faced their cross-state rival Philadelphia Flyers twice over their first five games of the 1977-78 NHL season. Neither meeting went remotely according to plan for Pittsburgh. The Penguins were beaten 8-2 at home in the first matchup before suffering an even more lopsided 11-0 loss at the Spectrum. Through it all, goaltender Dunc Wilson remained in the Pittsburgh net, facing an incredible 90 shots over the two games.

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Highlights

• Pittsburgh faced Philadelphia twice over its first five games of 1977-78.

• The Flyers won the two games by scores of 8-2 and 11-0.

• Dunc Wilson played every minute in net for Pittsburgh.

• Wilson faced a combined 90 shots over the two losses.

• Bobby Clarke recorded five points in the first game and four in the second.

• Philadelphia outscored Pittsburgh 19-2 across the two meetings.

• Bernie Parent made 20 saves for the shutout in the 11-0 victory.

• Wilson played 287 NHL games but never appeared in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

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It was a dramatic change of fortune for Wilson after a strong 1976-77 season. He had posted a 2.95 goals-against average and recorded five shutouts, tying Philadelphia's Bernie Parent for third in the NHL. A year later, Wilson appeared in just 21 games for Pittsburgh, finishing with a 4.84 GAA and no shutouts. Over his NHL career, he played 287 regular-season games between 1969-70 and 1978-79 with the Flyers, Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers and Penguins, but never appeared in a playoff game.

In the first meeting with Philadelphia, Wilson stopped 28 of the 36 shots he faced in an 8-2 defeat. Bobby Clarke powered the Flyers with a goal and four assists for a five-point night, while Bob Kelly contributed two goals and an assist. Tom Bladon added a shorthanded goal and Ross Lonsberry was credited with the game winner as Philadelphia overwhelmed the Penguins.

Things became even more difficult in the rematch at the Spectrum. Philadelphia fired 54 shots at Wilson and rolled to an 11-0 victory. Clarke once again led the attack, recording a goal and three assists. Bob Kelly, Orest Kindrachuk, Rick Lapointe, Reg Leach and Jimmy Watson each finished with three points as the Flyers spread the offense throughout the lineup.

Only Bob Dailey, Gary Dornhoefer, Paul Holmgren and Joe Watson failed to record a point among Philadelphia's skaters in the 11-goal outburst. At the other end, Bernie Parent needed to make just 20 saves to earn the shutout. Over the two games, Philadelphia outscored Pittsburgh 19-2 and fired 90 shots at Wilson, a brutal early-season introduction to the Flyers for the Penguins and their goaltender.

The Pittsburgh Penguins: The First 25 Years

A nostalgic look back at the first quarter-century of Penguins history, highlighting the players, milestones, and moments that shaped the franchise from its early beginnings.

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Bunny Larocque Was The Only Hab Without A Point In This 12-0 Blowout In 1979

On February 22, 1979, the Pittsburgh Penguins visited the Montreal Forum and ran headfirst into the powerhouse Canadiens near the end of their 1970s dynasty. Montreal dominated from start to finish, rolling to a 12-0 victory in a game that showcased just how deep that championship roster really was.

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Highlights

• Montreal defeated Pittsburgh 12-0 on February 22, 1979.

• All 17 Canadiens skaters recorded at least one point.

• Guy Lafleur scored the game-winning goal just 2:05 into the game.

• Guy Lapointe led Montreal with four assists.

• Yvon Lambert, Doug Risebrough and Mario Tremblay each had two goals and one assist.

• Montreal scored 12 times on 37 shots.

• Michel Larocque stopped 25 shots for the shutout.

• The Canadiens went on to win their fourth consecutive Stanley Cup.

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Guy Lafleur got things started just 2:05 into the opening period, beating Denis Herron for what technically stood as the game-winning goal. Interestingly, despite Montreal scoring another 11 times, Lafleur did not record another point. On most nights, keeping Lafleur to a single point would have been considered a major accomplishment. On this night, it meant absolutely nothing.

The Canadiens dressed 17 skaters and every one of them recorded at least one point. Guy Lapointe led the way with four assists, while Yvon Lambert, Doug Risebrough and Mario Tremblay each scored twice and added an assist. Réjean Houle also finished with three points, all assists. It was a remarkably balanced attack in which virtually everyone got involved.

Perhaps even more surprising was that Montreal didn't need an overwhelming number of shots to reach a dozen goals. Herron faced 24 shots over the first two periods and surrendered seven goals. Greg Millen took over for the third and allowed another five goals on just 13 shots. In total, the Canadiens scored 12 times on 37 shots.

At the other end, Michel "Bunny" Larocque quietly took care of business. He stopped all 25 Pittsburgh shots to record the shutout, making him the only Montreal player who dressed that night without a point. It was Larocque's second of three shutouts during the 1978-79 season. His first came with a 14-save performance against the Atlanta Flames, while his third would also require 25 saves against the New York Rangers.

For a Canadiens team headed toward its fourth consecutive Stanley Cup championship, the 12-0 demolition of Pittsburgh was a striking display of roster depth. Lafleur scored the winner, every Montreal skater found the scoresheet, and Larocque was the lone Hab without a point but came away with the shutout.

Stories From The Epic History Of NHL Hockey (Volume IV)

Dive into unforgettable tales from NHL history — the biggest moments, legendary players, and classic rivalries.

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Gary Edwards And The Kings Hand Defending Stanley Cup Champions An Opening-Night Loss

The defending Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins opened their 1972-73 NHL season at home on October 8, 1972, but the Los Angeles Kings spoiled the celebration. Behind an outstanding performance from goaltender Gary Edwards, the Kings walked out of Boston Garden with a 4-2 victory.

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Highlights

• October 8, 1972 at Boston Garden

• Los Angeles defeated Boston 4-2

• Gary Edwards stopped 36 of 38 shots

• Boston's Mike Walton recorded seven shots

• Phil Esposito and Bobby Orr were held pointless

• Serge Bernier scored the third-period game-winner

• Boston went on to finish with 51 wins and 107 points

• Edwards appeared in 286 NHL regular-season games during his career

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Los Angeles had opened its season with a loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, making this their second game of the campaign. Edwards got the start in goal and turned aside 36 of Boston's 38 shots. Mike Walton fired seven shots without scoring, while Bruins superstars Phil Esposito and Bobby Orr were both held off the scoresheet.

Boston actually struck first. Dallas Smith scored just 2:16 into the opening period with an assist from Fred Stanfield. The lead didn't last. Mike Corrigan and Butch Goring responded for Los Angeles before the end of the period, sending the Kings to the dressing room with a 2-1 advantage. Carol Vadnais tied the game late in the second period, with Stanfield picking up his second assist of the night.

The deciding goal came at 11:47 of the third period when Serge Bernier beat Boston goaltender Eddie Johnston to put Los Angeles ahead 3-2. Bill Lesuk sealed the victory with an empty-net goal at 19:38. Edwards did the rest, completing his 36-save performance and helping the Kings hand Boston a loss in its season opener.

The victory wasn't a sign of things to come for Los Angeles. The Kings finished the 1972-73 regular season four points short of the final playoff position in the West Division. Boston quickly recovered from the opening-night setback, winning 51 games and finishing with 107 points, second overall in the NHL behind the Montreal Canadiens.

Edwards appeared in 27 games for Los Angeles that season. Although he had been the Kings' primary goaltender in 1971-72, Rogie Vachon soon took over the number-one role. Edwards went on to play 286 NHL regular-season games and 11 playoff games between 1968-69 and 1981-82, appearing with the St. Louis Blues, Los Angeles Kings, Cleveland Barons, Minnesota North Stars, Edmonton Oilers and Pittsburgh Penguins.

Los Angeles Kings Trivia Book

Test your knowledge of Kings history, players, and unforgettable moments.

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Bob MacMillan's Shorthanded Goal Sinks The Sabres In 1976

Bob MacMillan was beginning to establish himself as an NHL regular with the St. Louis Blues during the 1975-76 season. Originally a first-round pick of the New York Rangers in the 1972 NHL Amateur Draft, the Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island native spent two seasons in the WHA before splitting 1974-75 between the Rangers and the AHL's Providence Reds. A move to St. Louis gave MacMillan a fresh start, and on January 13, 1976, he played a major role in a convincing victory over the Buffalo Sabres.

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Highlights

• January 13, 1976: St. Louis defeated Buffalo 7-3

• Bob MacMillan recorded 2 goals and 1 assist

• His first goal was unassisted and shorthanded

• The shorthanded goal ultimately stood as the game-winner

• MacMillan and Garry Unger each finished with three points

• MacMillan put seven shots on Buffalo goalie Gary Bromley

• Yves Belanger stopped 31 of 34 shots

• MacMillan later won the 1978-79 Lady Byng Trophy

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Buffalo opened the scoring when Brian Spencer scored the first of his two goals on the night. The Blues quickly answered, with MacMillan and Red Berenson setting up Garry Unger at 9:46 of the opening period. From there, St. Louis took control and Buffalo would not regain the lead.

MacMillan produced one of the game's biggest moments early in the second period. With Bert Wilson serving a penalty, MacMillan scored an unassisted shorthanded goal on Buffalo goaltender Gary Bromley at 1:46. The goal gave St. Louis a 4-1 advantage and ultimately stood as the game-winner in a 7-3 Blues victory.

MacMillan wasn't finished. At 11:54 of the second period, he scored his second goal of the game, this time with assists going to Jerry Butler and Unger. MacMillan finished the night with two goals, one assist and seven shots on goal. Unger also recorded two goals and an assist, while Blues goaltender Yves Belanger stopped 31 of Buffalo's 34 shots.

MacMillan went on to enjoy a lengthy NHL career from 1974-75 through 1984-85, appearing in 753 regular-season games and another 31 in the playoffs. He played for the Rangers, Blues, Atlanta and Calgary Flames, Colorado Rockies, New Jersey Devils and Chicago Blackhawks. A six-time 20-goal scorer, MacMillan reached a career-high 38 goals in 1977-78 and won the Lady Byng Trophy the following season.

Bob Plager's Tales from the Blues Bench

Insights, stories, and unforgettable moments from Bob Plager’s time with the St. Louis Blues — a must-read for Blues fans.

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Phil Esposito Records 3 Points In His Final Game Against The Bruins

Phil Esposito had been gone from the Boston Bruins for more than five years by the time he entered his final NHL season in 1980-81. Still, Boston was where Esposito enjoyed the greatest years of his legendary career, winning two Stanley Cups, five Art Ross Trophies and two Hart Trophies with the Bruins. Even late in his career with the New York Rangers, a matchup with his former club undoubtedly carried a little extra meaning.

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Highlights

• Phil Esposito's final NHL game against Boston came November 26, 1980.

• The Rangers defeated the Bruins 6-4 at Madison Square Garden.

• Esposito recorded one goal and two assists.

• He assisted on both of Ron Greschner's first two goals.

• Esposito's goal was his fifth of 1980-81 and the third-last of his NHL career.

• Greschner and Steve Vickers each scored twice for New York.

• Esposito's final game at Boston Garden came October 9, 1980.

• He assisted on the Rangers' opening goal in that final Boston appearance.

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Esposito faced the Bruins for the final time on November 26, 1980 at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers entered the game struggling badly but came away with a 6-4 victory, just their fifth win through the first 23 games of the season. Esposito played a major role in the victory, recording a goal and two assists before the game was even half over.

Ron Greschner opened the scoring at 10:05 of the first period, beating Boston goaltender Rogie Vachon with assists going to Esposito and Don Maloney. Just 40 seconds into the second period, Greschner struck again, this time with helpers from Esposito and Dave Silk. At 7:54, Esposito got a goal of his own, scoring his fifth of the season with Greschner picking up the assist.

That goal turned out to be the third-last of Esposito's NHL career. Greschner and Steve Vickers each scored twice in the 6-4 Rangers victory, while Esposito finished his final appearance against his former team with three points.

Esposito's final game at Boston Garden had come earlier that season, on October 9, 1980 in the 1980-81 season opener. The Bruins won that game decisively, 7-2, but Esposito still made his presence felt. He assisted on Mike Allison's goal just 2:44 into the first period, giving the Rangers an early lead. It was the final appearance in Boston for a player whose years with the Bruins had established him as one of the greatest goal scorers of his generation.

Thunder and Lightning: A No-B.S. Hockey Memoir

The candid and electrifying memoir of Phil Esposito — one of hockey’s most dynamic scorers and personalities.

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